. >> we are a community of survivors, and we are a community that is united in our recovery. >> reporter: the gathering in the newly remodeled theater number 9 drew mixed responses from survivors and victims' families. >> dave hoover lost his 15-year-old nerve few a.j.boik. he said entering the theater was just too much for him. >> i try to think about what we have, not at what we lost. a.j. was a big part of our life. >> reporter: jan son young's boyfriend died dodged a bullet. she came back for him. >> i'm here to face my fears and come to comfort john to help memorialize him. >> reporter: security for the theater's reopening was tight. police kept onlookers and the media at a distance so survivors and family members could remember in private. aurora's mayor says he respects those who chose not to attend the reopening and welcomes those who did. >> my personal choice is to be here. i cannot allow the shooter in any way, shape, or form to win. >> reporter: the theater reopens to the public on friday. teresa garcia, cbs news, aurora, colorado. >>> at least one death is blamed on a snowst